Sunday, March 23, 2014

Just thought I'd share the personalized poem I found for our friend's daughter on her 3rd birthday. It was written by my namesake in the 17th century and, until some recent year, it was stored in the British museum of Curios and Trivia and it found it's way to our family when I was born.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

On one of the first few days of our academy, we were out on the grass doing pushups. The first week was kind of a grind, with extra physical training tossed at us in an effort to get rid of some people that didn't have much business being there at the time.

I must have looked like I was struggling at one point, because Sgt. Roth, the Sgt. in Charge of training, leaned down next to me and politely asked what the was the hardest thing I had ever done.

Without skipping a beat, I replied, "Living with my wife!"

He kind of smirked, stalked off and left me alone the rest of the academy.

Don't get me wrong. I love my wife and I enjoy our life together. But living with her has been hard. Here's why.

In order to successfully build a marriage relationship, I have had to set aside myself in order to build our life. It no longer becomes all about my own selfish desires, but I have to think of someone else and not just myself.

That is hard to do sometimes. But it is worth it.

And, in case you think you are having a hard time with pretty much anything, check out the video I linked below. At least you are not "that guy".

Saturday, March 8, 2014

My wife has been working on holding me accountable in my eating choices, but it is difficult for her.

I really do want to eat better and have a definite opinion of what I should and should not eat and the effects that the unnatural food that is so readily available have on my body.

But, it is also easy for my to slip and slide away from what I know is good for me.

The other day, as I was jogging through a sandy wash behind some out-of-towners with some friends of mine, I started to feel every bit of my backsliding ways in the food department.

Just as I was feeling about the worst, I got a message on my handy mobile computer device. It was a message from Diane, letting me know that my expenditures on local restaurants and delightfully sugar bombed coffee beverages in February was triple my January expenditures.

About Me

After spending Ten years as a Pastor and Church Planter, James became involved in Law Enforcement and currently serves as a detective and a Chaplain for First Responders in Tucson, Arizona. He is also a board member with the Tucson Refugee Ministry.
Known for connecting with all ages using humor, engaging stories and personal examples, James will inspire you to grow your faith and your family while connecting with your culture and community.
When he is not working, you can find him hanging out with family and friends and hiking some of the local trails.

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What's in a Name?

Since a few have asked, "Why the name, 'Front Porch Fighter' ?", I will take a stab at answering it.

In times past, the predominant feature of most houses was the front porch. It was right out there in front and it used to be a gathering place for people from the neighborhood. Friends could come over and hang out, lovers could swing on the porch swing and moms would entertain with lemonade. The front porch was a place to get to know others and it signified a willingness and a desire to be in community.

The predominant feature on many homes built today is the garage. The garage is a place where you can pull your car in without anyone else having to talk to you or interrupt your schedule as you retreat into your private sanctuary. To me, the garage in front signifies a desire to live my own life and a kind of disconnect from the rest of the world.

While I appreciate some privacy and sanctuary, I feel that all too often, we are disconnected from the rest of the world and have lost a sense of community, which the home styles reflect. So, I am an advocate of the front porch....at least metaphorically speaking.